Ray: I was delighted to see Aaron Craft named the Big Ten’s best defender (for the second time
in three years) — a real no-brainer for the league. Who knows just how disastrous this season could
have been without Craft’s leadership and his unbelievable effort, every second of every game?

Craft played like every moment was his last. You could see the difference between the speed and
intensity with which he played and the others on the team. Yes, there were flashes of that same
defensive intensity by Shannon Scott, but most of the time the Buckeyes, especially the big men,
appeared as though they were never far from their next nap.

Thad Matta has one of two choices for success next season: either figure out how to instill in
all of his players Craft’s desire to play basketball at 110 percent, all the time, or recruit a few
great kids who will do that on their own. Otherwise, I am afraid that next year may be longer than
this one was.

— Chris Dalheim, Galena

Chris: The Buckeyes figure to be plenty interesting next season, and Craft’s absence after what
feels like six years will just be part of it. The bigs need to be much more engaged, for sure, and
the newcomers should add spice.

Ray: In regards to Aaron Craft, as Bob Hope always sang on his show, thanks for the memories,
Aaron. Thanks for showing us how basketball is supposed to be played. Some NBA superstars could
learn how to play by watching him — all out, all the time.

Thanks, too, to his parents for raising a fine young man and for sharing him with us for four
years. Is it possible to give him another basketball scholarship while he’s in medical school?

— Steve Williams, Columbus

Steve: Don’t think Matta hasn’t checked to make sure. As for Craft, here’s guessing he would
trade some of his moxie to an NBA star for a little of their shooting touch. But he’ll do well
wherever he lands.

Stein: Thank you for your paper’s stories about the new Crew TV deal with Time Warner Cable
SportsChannel. It is a terrible deal made at the last minute.

I watched every game when Fox Sports Ohio, on the standard cable package, carried all the
games. I am retired and a Time Warner customer with standard cable; I cannot afford the premium
channel and cannot afford to go in person to games. I have followed the Crew since they began
playing in Ohio Stadium.

And how about the new blackout provisions for games within 75 miles of Columbus! I guess
this year, and apparently beyond, I will follow the Crew in
The Dispatch. Thanks for your timely reporting on the nature of this new crummy deal for
the fans of the Crew.

— Gilbert Scherer, Columbus

Gilbert: I keep thinking the Crew will figure out a way to end this public-relations nightmare
and emerge with some sort of white-horse plan to appease all parties, but I’m not hopeful. This is
looking more and more like a two-year albatross.

Ray: I have a question regarding Ohio State football spring practice. Do they give out a Ken-Yon
Rambo award to the person who has the best spring?

What I mean is, every spring the writers at
The Dispatch always list like 15 guys who are unbelievable during spring practice, but
somehow during the fall, when games count, these 15 guys are nowhere to be found.

— Jack Boyer, Dublin

Jack: First of all, spring football is like spring training in baseball in that optimism is in
greater supply than sunflower seeds. Second, you’re thinking of Bam Childress, who could someday
make the OSU hall of fame for his spring-game prowess.